Places to Visit If You Love Star Wars

Trust us on these recommendations—we know our Sith.

3 Minute Read

By Mary Beth McAndrews

Tatooine and the forest moon of Endor may seem like they’re in a galaxy far, far away, but they are actually closer than you think. These planets were inspired by and filmed in beautiful natural locations around the world. There’s no need for a Millennium Falcon—you can access these places by plane, train, boat, or car.

Lake Como, ItalyStar Wars Location: Naboo, Episode III

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Find the right spot at the optimal angle and you may see more familiar Star Wars scenes while strolling Lake Como.

Photograph by Dorothea Schmid, Redux

Star Wars doesn’t just take place in remote locations. Parts of the planet Naboo were filmed in Lake Como, Italy. Lake Como boasts beautiful villas, breathtaking views, and will make any visitor feel like intergalactic royalty. Visit Villa del Balbianello by foot or water taxi and walk through its beautiful gardens to feel as regal as Queen Padme herself.

The Mosque of Satori in Djerba may look a bit like a home on planet Tatooine to some fans.

Photograph by Naftali Hilger, Redux

As the primary filming location for the planet Tatooine, the Tunisian island of Djerba is home to some important Star Wars locations like the iconic Mos Eisley cantina. Travel around the island by car to visit ancient villages used for scenes throughout the series. If there’s time, hop back over to mainland Tunisia for more Star Wars locations, like the Hotel Sidi Driss, which was used to film Luke Skywalker’s home (and is still open for guests), in Matmata.

The trees of Del Norte Coast Redwoods park were used as the forest moon of Endor in Episode VI.

Video by 4kodiak, Getty Images

Take a hike through Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and see if you can spot an Ewok in the trees. The park’s Damnation Creek Trail leads hikers through the forest full of massive trees and out to rocky tide pools. These giants will transport any fan to Endor and have them listening for an approaching speeder bike. This state park is near the Oregon-California border and is about a seven-hour drive from San Francisco, one way.

Not many are able to recognize Luke Sywalker's hideout as Skellig Michael, the UNESCO World Heritage site in Ireland.

Photograph by Peter Barritt, Alamy Stock Photo

No wonder Luke Skywalker chose these beautiful Irish islands for his hideout. Located eight miles off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the world’s second largest cormorant colony, as well as many other seabird species, such as puffins. It’s also home to a sixth-century monastic settlement. Skellig Michael is only accessible by boat. When visitors arrive on the island, they can climb the 600 steps to the monastery. While there are no accommodations on the island itself, there are several hotels throughout County Kerry.

Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, NorwayStar Wars Location: Hoth, Episode V

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Hiking a glacier is always an adventure, but get in the mindset of the battle on Hoth and it will seem to be an easy feat.

Photograph by Thomas Linkel, Redux

There won’t be any wampas waiting for you on this glacier, but you can still pretend to be part of the battle on the ice planet of Hoth. The glacier is located near the isolated mountain village of Finse, which is only accessible by train. The village warmly welcomes Star Wars fans—local hotel, Finse 1222, hosts a Visit Hoth event every year. A guided tour is required to access the glacier, and is offered between July and September.